MASTER OF EDUCATION IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Student Handbook

Transcription

1 MASTER OF EDUCATION IN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Student Handbook Overview The Graduate School Department of Education Online Student Handbook is intended to serve as a general guide for current and prospective University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Education students. In this capacity, it includes information about UMUC and links to several policies students may need to access throughout their association with UMUC. In addition, this handbook contains links to information that are specific to programs in the Department of Education. Please note that Education programs at UMUC are only at the graduate level. Use this handbook in conjunction with The UMUC Graduate School Catalog and the Graduate Schedule of Classes. Additional information may also be available in the UMUC Online Student Handbook. Neither the Department of Education Online Handbook and its provisions, nor the UMUC Online Student Handbook, constitute a contract between UMUC and any party or parties. Reasonable effort is used to ensure the factual accuracy of the information; however, this handbook is not a complete statement of all policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and academic requirements. UMUC reserves the right to make changes and additions to the information in this handbook without prior notice. When a curriculum or graduation requirement is changed, it is not made retroactive unless the change is to the students' advantage and can be accommodated within the span of years normally required for graduation. The current Department of Education Online Student Handbook contains dynamic content that is updated regularly. Please check back frequently for changes and updates. Introductions Message from the Provost Message from the Dean of the Graduate School Message from the Chair of the Education Department Non- Discrimination Statement General Academic Links Advising for Graduate Students Orientation to Distance Education Tutoring and Writing Resources Office of Enrollment Management Graduate School Schedule of Classes Course Catalog Financial Aid Disabled Student Services Page 1 of 10

2 University Policies and Additional Information about UMUC UMUC Policies Code of Civility Career Services Center Alumni Relations UMUC Annual Safety and Security Reports Department of Education The Professional Education Unit of the UMUC Department of Education offers two degree programs focused on Teacher Education, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and the Master of Education in Instructional Technology (MEd) program. Additionally, there are several courses on Reading in primary and secondary education. Master of Education in Instructional Technology Degree Program Overview Supplemental Information Frequently Asked Questions Dual Degree Option - MEd / MDE Dual Degree Option - MEd / MAT Overview of the Certificate in Technology Integration Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration The Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration is a 12- credit graduate program that consists of the first four courses of the MEd degree program. For more information, see Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration. Certificate students may also want to review information about the MEd in this Student Handbook, since the four course of the Certificate are also part of the degree program. Overview of the Certificate in Technology Integration Sections of the Instructional Technology Student Handbook Welcome from Program Chair Program Overview List of Full- time Faculty and Staff Department Framework & Policies A Few Guidelines for Students Core Program Documents and Standards Overview of MEd Field Experiences Description of MEd Field Experiences EDTC 670 Integrative Capstone Project Overview Page 2 of 10

3 Welcome from the MEd Program Chair, Dr. Randy Hansen Dear Students, My name is Dr. Randy Hansen, and I am the program chair for the Master of Education in Instructional Technology [hereafter, MEd] and the Certificate in Instructional Technology Integration [hereafter, Certificate]. If you are a new student, I welcome you heartily to UMUC, to the Graduate School, and to our programs. And I greet our returning students also with great enthusiasm as you contribute to our learning community every day in so many ways. The MEd program is about becoming a better teacher and becoming an instructional leader or staff developer, through maximizing the power of technology to strengthen and transform teaching and learning. Instructional technology has the potential, when integrated wisely and creatively, to enable learning that could not be achieved without technology. It has the potential to help us solve important instructional problems and meet the diverse needs of our students. But the MEd program is not about technology itself. You will learn about current and emerging technologies such as Web 2.0 tools and educational software, as well as about digital citizenship, mobile technologies in the classroom, but the focus of the program remains steadily on teaching, learning, and leading. For an overview of the MEd curriculum and objectives, please visit the links on this page, including the Department s Conceptual Framework, which guides and supports the mission of the program. This Handbook provides additional information about the MEd program you may find useful. If you have any questions, please don t hesitate to reach out to me directly at Randall.hansen@umuc.edu. Enjoy your classes! Page 3 of 10

4 About the MEd Program Advances in communications and computer technology have changed education in terms of delivery, instructional strategies, and student engagement. Innovative instructional strategies of blended or flipped classrooms and the use of open- source, web- based resources, collaborative tools, video resources, and mobile devices can engage learners and increase student achievement. Many educators are looking to expand their skills in these areas to become more creative and innovative integrators of technology into learning experiences. The Master of Education (MEd) in instructional technology is designed for pre- K 12 teachers, technology integration specialists, staff developers, and administrators. The curriculum focuses on three interrelated areas of study: curriculum and instruction, instructional technology integration, and leadership. The program provides the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate technology effectively into pre- K 12 curricula, instruction, and assessment; to develop expertise in current and emerging instructional technologies; to gain deep understanding of the role of technology in the contemporary school; and to lead change efforts at the classroom, school, and district levels. NOTE: The MEd is not an initial teacher preparation program. Graduates who wish to become K 12 teachers in the public schools and who do not yet have state licensure to teach may need to pursue an initial teacher certification program, based on state or national requirements. Full Time Faculty and Staff Education Department Chair Virginia Pilato, Ph.D. MAT Faculty Member T: virginia.pilato@umuc.edu MEd Program Chair Randy Hansen, Ed.D MEd Faculty Member T: Randall.hansen@umuc.edu Director of Assessment Datta Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D. MEd Faculty Member T: dattakaur.khalsa@umuc.edu Academic Coordinator Deena Britt T: deena.britt@umuc.edu Academic Coordinator Dianne Sullivan T: dianne.sullivan@umuc.edu Administrative Assistant Esercainas Valencia T: esercainas.valencia@umuc.edu Department of Education Framework and Policies The vision of the Professional Education Unit, within the Graduate School of the University of Maryland University College, is to establish a global learning community of educators, committed to the concept of Teaching and Leading Beyond Boundaries. Read the Conceptual Framework of the Education Department In education, professional dispositions are the agreed upon and expected attitudes, values and behaviors of teachers and other educators. Universities develop their professional dispositions for consistency with their conceptual frameworks, and to guide the professional education of their candidates. Professional Disposition Policy As a degree- seeking student in the Graduate School s Department of Education MAT or MEd program or as a certificate- seeking student in the Department s Instructional Technology Integration Certificate program, students are required to purchase a one- time $100 subscription to Tk20 HigherEd before their first class begins. TK20 Outcomes Assessment System Policy Page 4 of 10

5 A Few Guidelines for MEd Students 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) As indicated in the UMUC s Academic Policy Academic Levels of Progress, Graduate School, students [hereafter referred to as candidates] must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average throughout their Graduate Program. If their grade point average falls below 3.0, they must bring the GPA up to 3.0 the next semester of taking classes to continue in the program. Course Sequencing Courses in the MEd program build upon each other. Thus, candidates must take the first eight MEd courses in the order listed; sequential courses (e.g., EDTC 600 and EDTC 605) may also be taken concurrently. Candidates must have completed 24 credits of coursework, including the first eight MEd courses, before taking EDTC 670 Integrative Capstone Course. It is recommended that EDTC 670 Integrative Capstone Course is the final course in the program. (EDTC 670 is offered only in the fall and spring.) Online Interactivity and Time Commitment Interactivity with other candidates and with faculty members is at the core of MEd courses. As part of an online learning community, candidates are generally expected to respond to classmates and the instructor, in online conversations (conferences), multiple times during a given week. Overall, candidates can expect to spend approximately seven to twelve (7-12) hours a week on each of their courses, including weekly discussions, readings (e.g., print, audio, multimedia), and both study group and individual projects. The Department of Education recommends that candidates consider in advance how they will carve out 7-12 hours a week, per class, to devote to their courses. Experiences in prek- 12 Schools The MEd program focuses on integrating technology in the prek- 12 schools to strengthen and transform teaching and learning. Field and clinical experiences in the schools constitute a critical component of the program. Those currently working in a school may complete field and clinical experiences in the schools where they work. Those who are not currently employed in a prek- 12 school will need to identify a school to work with for multiple projects, beginning with an observation/interview in the first course, EDTC 600 Foundations of Technology in Teaching and Learning. (See Field Experiences and Clinical Practice, later in this Student Handbook, for more information.) Key Transition Points Once students are admitted to the Graduate School, there are three points in the program that are considered transition points or major markers of student progress in the program. The first comes after successful completion of the first course, EDTC 600 Foundations of Technology for Teaching and Learning (3 credits) and UCSP 611 Introduction to Graduate Library Research (0 credits). At this point in their program, candidates are expected to have demonstrated a mastery of foundational skills in technology integration in the prek- 12 schools. The second transition point comes after candidates complete the first eight courses in the program, including the semester- long professional development project in EDTC 640. At this point, candidates are eligible to take EDTC 670, Integrative Capstone Course. In EDTC 670, students complete their action research project in the schools and their final reflection on the program. The third transition point the final marker of student success in the program is completion of all program requirements and eligibility for graduation. Page 5 of 10

6 MEd Core Program Documents and Standards The MEd in Instructional Technology is a standards- based program and relies on a number of key standards documents. Standards describe what K- 12 students and educators must know and be able to do. Standards are especially important because they can provide a coherent structure for understanding best practice in teaching and learning and can help educators think in terms of specific learning goals for students and themselves. Throughout the program, the MEd curriculum aligns with the following standards documents: Student Disciplinary Standards In integrating technology to advance or transform student learning, candidates will be expected to demonstrate how their projects meet state content standards. Examples include Common Core Standards (and state adaptation of these standards) and state content and skill standards in various subjects and for various grade levels. Candidates may find their state s standards by first accessing their State Education Agency. (For Maryland, see ACTFL Foreign Language Learning Standards ACTFL partnership students would find the Standards for Foreign Language Learning on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages site here: Student and Teacher Technology Standards These standards reflect what all K- 12 students and teachers must know and be able to do: International Society of Technology In Education, National Educational Technology Standards for Students (2007) and Teachers (2008). Technology Coach Standards These standards reflect what technology integration specialists and other educators who assume leadership roles in technology integration in the prek- 12 schools must know and be able to do: International Society of Technology in Education/NCATE, Technology Coach Program Standards (2012). In addition, the MEd program is guided by National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Five Core Propositions (1987), Learning Forward s Standards for Professional Learning (2011), and the Partnership for 21 st Century Skills Framework for 21 st Century Learning Definitions Document (2009). Page 6 of 10

7 Overview of MEd Field Experiences Field experiences in the prek- 12 schools are a major component of the MEd program. A core philosophy of the program is that assignments should be workplace relevant. Candidates should be able to apply assignments immediately in the prek- 12 classroom/school or in research/development projects they wish to incorporate and advocate for in the future. The Department of Education at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is committed to developing teachers and technology integration specialists/staff developers who demonstrate research- based and practice- validated strategies for teaching and learning. The MEd program is structured around required instances of field experiences and clinical practice. Of eleven classes in the MEd program, eight require a formal clinical or field experience. Certificate candidates participate in those experiences required in the first four courses. 1. Important Note about Locating a prek- 12 School As part of assuring that each MEd candidate has practical experiences in the schools, each candidate must identify one or more prek- 12 schools in which to conduct field and clinical experiences. Candidates currently working in the prek- 12 schools may conduct their field and clinical experiences in the schools and school systems in which they work. Candidates who do not work in the prek- 12 must identify a school for an observation/interview in the first course, and will need to remain connected to one or more prek- 12 school districts throughout their program. Program faculty will guide non- teacher candidates in finding a school. Candidates are encouraged to complete all field and clinical experiences as described. Under some circumstances, suitable field and clinical experience locations are not possible. Alternative tasks or teaching situations can be developed for non- teaching candidates, please see course information or contact your instructor. 2. Table of Field and Clinical Experiences Course Number EDTC 600 EDTC 605 EDTC 625 EDTC 630 EDTC 640 EDTC 645 EDTC 650 EDTC 670 Field Experiences and Clinical Practice in the MEd program Title of Field Experience or Clinical Practice School- based Experiences: End of Semester Reflection (observation/interview; for teachers, lesson plan implementation). Beyond School Boundaries: Community Library Interview or Personal Learning Network Assistive Technology Interview Interview of School Technology Professional Professional Development Project Interview of Non- U.S. Educator Interview of Stakeholder in the K- 12 Virtual School Integrative Capstone Project (action research, with prek- 12 student results) 3. Description of Field and Clinical Experiences The following pages explain each prek- 12 field and clinical experience listed in the table. All field and clinical experiences involve integrating technology to strengthen and transform teaching and learning. Page 7 of 10

8 Description of Field and Clinical Experiences EDTC 600: Foundations of Technology in Teaching and Leading School- Based Experiences: End- of- Semester Reflection Candidates write a culminating essay evaluating two field- based experiences. Teachers in the course implement with students the 1-3 day lesson plan they submitted as their take- home midterm. (Non- teacher candidates are given an alternate equivalent experience- - comparison of online lessons to their midterm lesson plan.) All candidates also complete an observation/interview to extend their real- world experience about how technology- integration can advance student learning and improve instructional practice. EDTC 605: Teaching Information and Media Literacies in the Digital World Community Librarian Interview or Development of Personal Learning Network Candidates are asked to either interview a community librarian about how he/she supports prek- 12 students or develop a personal learning network of experts to consult. Both options address developing a learning community beyond the school for supporting the teaching of information and media literacies in the classroom EDTC 625 Hardware and Software in Instructional Improvement Assistive Technology Interview Candidates interview a prek- 12 Special Education Teacher, Special Education Supervisor; Technology Coach, or District Technology Coordinator, to acquire practical guidance from those in the school system about technology and equity, particularly, technologies used on a daily basis to meet the needs of students in the jurisdiction. A second purpose is for candidates to identify school and district policies and procedures for accessing assistive technologies. EDTC 630 Administration of Technology: Planning, Budgeting, and Evaluation Technology Professional Shadowing or Interview Candidates either shadow for a day, if possible, or interview a technology coach, technology coordinator, or technology integration specialist. The purpose is for candidates to gain a practical look at the roles, responsibilities, and daily work of a technology integration specialist. EDTC 640 Leading Technology Change in Schools Professional Development Project After developing a District Professional Development Plan, candidates prepare a five- day workshop for teachers, create a, support wiki for the workshop, and deliver one day of the workshop, online, to teachers and other educators in their EDTC 640 classroom. Candidates also evaluate their own professional development and that of their colleagues. In this clinical experience, Candidates plan face- to- face workshops but also deliver online professional development and support. EDTC 645 Integration of Technology: Global Perspectives Interview of Policy Maker or Educator in a Country Other than the U.S Candidates interview an elementary/secondary policymaker or educator from outside the United States, as part of their Global Case Study that explores a country s elementary and secondary technology infrastructure, policy, practice or professional development. Part of the goal of the project is to apply what candidates learn to improve the integration of technology in their school district (or a district of their choice). EDTC 650: Teaching and Learning in the K- 12 Virtual School Interview of Stakeholder of K- 12 Virtual School Candidates interview a student, parent, teacher, or administrator in a K- 12 virtual school, to generate a Page 8 of 10

9 participant perspective as part of their study of the virtual school. EDTC 670: Integrative Capstone Project Integrative Capstone Project Candidates identify an instructional problem in the prek- 12 classroom or school; develop a technology- based solution, implement the solution with prek- 12 students or teachers; evaluate the data on degree of K- 12 student learning; recommend improvements; disseminate the results; and suggest questions for further research. Those who are not currently working in the schools work with a practicing educator in the schools to implement their project. See full description of capstone project below. Implementation details provided in EDTC 670 course. Page 9 of 10

10 Description of EDTC 670: Integrative Capstone Project Candidates who are currently teaching can implement this action research project in their own classes; others must gain permission to implement the project in a classroom or school. The project is completed in EDTC 670 over the course of a semester, with continual guidance provided by the MEd course instructor. Candidates identify an instructional problem in the K- 12 classroom or school and develop a technology- based solution after conducting a survey of the literature. Then they implement the solution with prek- 12 students, evaluate the data to determine the impact on prek- 12 student learning, recommend improvements, disseminate the results, and suggest questions for further research. While preparation lasts throughout the semester, implementation occurs over 9-10 class periods, including pre- testing, instruction, and post testing, plus time to prepare the classroom environment. Identify an instructional problem along with an appropriate technology- based solution that you believe will help solve the instructional problem. There are five phases to this project. Provided below is an overview of what to expect in phases 1 through 5. These phases will be discussed in detail in the course. You will receive a separate grade on each phase of the project. 1. Phase 1: Identifying an Educational Problem and a Proposed Solution Objective: Describe the nature of the learning issue you have identified. What evidence do you have that this is a real problem? Keep in mind that the next bulleted item goes hand- in- hand with identifying the instructional issue. You cannot discuss the learning issue without thoroughly knowing the students and the school context where this learning issue exists. 2. Phase 2: Creating Objectives and Assessment Materials a. You will create learning objectives that will help you measure whether your students were successful in meeting the learning issue you identified. These learning objectives will guide your instruction including the use of the technology- based solution you identified. b. Measurement Methods: These are all matched to the learning objectives and will be effective ways of measuring learning success. These are your assessments. You will describe the assessments you have developed. c. Copies of the Instruments: These are the actual assessments you use. You should include copies of all assessment instruments and rubrics (if applicable) that you have described. 3. Phase 3: Developing an Implementation Plan and Preparing the Environment a. Description of instructional strategies and methods: You will describe the instruction that will be carried out using the technology- based solution in order to help meet the learning objectives you identified in Phase 2. Be specific with the types of instructional strategies and methods you are using. It should be clear how these strategies and methods will be effective in carrying out the learning objectives. b. Meeting diverse needs: Describe how you plan to adapt the strategies and methods to meet the individual learning needs of each student. It is not appropriate to say you do not have individuals with diverse learning needs. Every classroom has students with different needs whether these needs are formally identified. 4. Phase 4: Implementation of Solution Prior to implementation, make certain you have determined how you will collect the data necessary to show whether your solution has been successful or not. You will need to discuss how you plan on gathering and securing the data you need to determine student success. 5. Phase 5: Documenting Project Outcomes and Recommending Revisions Summary Data: Provide a summary of the implementation of your project. In your summary, provide your overall findings. You can provide lists, charts, tables, and other appropriate elements to summarize your data. These should be well formatted and designed to communicate the information clearly. In this section, you are describing what took place without interpretation. Page 10 of 10